Column: You can help 'Make it Happen' for children

Amber Leifheit

In 1988, the State of Wisconsin mandated that all public schools needed to have a gifted and talented program for their students.

The SAIL (Students Accelerated in Learning) program was created in the Marshfield Elementary Schools. This program's goal is cultivate student potential by offering a variety of opportunities to enrich and enhance learning.

Each elementary school had a gifted and talented teacher who worked with students. Unfortunately, in 2000, this program was cut due to budget constraints. In 2011, the school district brought a new gifted and talented program back to our community with major changes.

Students are identified by their performance on standardized tests, in the classroom and with teacher or parent recommendations. Today, more than 450 students are included in this program - 20 percent of all Marshfield elementary aged students.

These programs address academic areas, leadership and visual arts. Many programs are in the classrooms, encompassing many students with many talents. There are some pullout programs to work on curriculum extension and independent study. Many of the Marshfield students are involved in contests: Battle of Books, Math League, Math 24, Think Trough Math, Science Fairs, writing seminars, SAIL Art, Geography Bees, Spelling Bees, Speech Contests and College Days for Kids. Our students have placed first in the state, been national champs and received national accolades for their achievements.

A Leadership Academy was established for sixth-grade school leaders. These leaders attend a Summer Leadership Academy based on Leadership Marshfield. Here they learn about the "7 Habits of Successful People" by Steven Covey and community service. These students return to their schools as ambassadors.

They develop and implement three projects - one for their school, one for the district and one community projects. For example, Lincoln Elementary School raised money for a flag for the school, Madison students organized an outdoor movie night and Nasonville students help with their school website. All the elementary schools promote and market aluminum can collection for Wildwood Zoo. They have raised $10,000 to help animals at Wildwood Zoo. Wow!

What great things are children are doing! Teachers were finding that some students who qualified to participate in these extra activities weren't able to do so because they couldn't afford the entrance fees for the competitions. With the help of Dr. Narayana Murali of the Marshfield Clinic, Marshfield Public School Superintendent Peg Geegan and Brenda Bauer, the Enrichment Resource Teacher for the district, a fund was established to help at the Marshfield Area Community Foundation.

The MAKE it Happen Fund (Marshfield Area Kids Enrichment) has helped many students participate through the generosity of its donors.

If you would like to help ensure that all students can continue to be a part of these exciting programs, you may donate to the MAKE Fund at MACF. If you would be willing to donate time as a Science Fair Judge, a mentor, a book club leader or a drama coach, email Brenda Bauer at baur@marshfield.k12.wi.us.

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Column: You can help 'Make it Happen' for children

In 1988, the State of Wisconsin mandated that all public schools needed to have a gifted and talented program for their students.

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